Permafrost: A Suitable Landfill Containment Barrier

Abstract: Ice-rich permafrost is a suitable medium for the containment of wastes. The combination of frigid dry Arctic climate and the impermeability of ice-cemented permanently frozen ground can reduce many of the common design problems associated with solid or hazardous waste landfills in the thawed soils of warmer climates. This paper discusses typical problems for landfills in non-frozen soils and illustrates how these problems could be mitigated in landfills sited within permafrost soils. The paper further discusses the various characteristics of different types of permafrost soils and how they relate to landfills in continuous permafrost. The key design considerations and operation procedures are discussed.